Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
It is clear that Sunderland are being underestimated, with many predicting an early relegation from the English Premier League. They went into the international break in fifth place in the English Premier League standings. Even Crystal Palace, the holders of the Football Association Challenge Cup and the FA Community Shield, are three places lower.
Sunderland
Sunderland won two of their first three league matches, but both victories came with the help of home support. They first beat West Ham United, who have proved inconsistent, (3:0), then snatched a 2:1 win over Brentford. Key moments went their way: a Brentford goal from a sweeping move that exposed the hosts’ flaws was chalked off, and their goalkeeper saved a penalty. Until the 80th minute the visitors had offered little to win the game, and then it broke their way. Away from home they came up short against fellow newcomers Burnley, losing (2:0).
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace, already without Eberechi Eze but with Marc Guéhi, who also could have left, thrashed Aston Villa (3:0) in Birmingham in the third round of fixtures. The captain scored a screamer from the edge of the penalty area. Clinical: three goals from 2.65 xG. At the back, Crystal Palace are solid not only because of Guéhi, but also thanks to the improving goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Since the FA Community Shield, in which he produced two saves in the shoot-out, the former Manchester United goalkeeper has conceded only one goal in five matches.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland Prediction
We think Sunderland’s attack lacks the precision to compensate for what they are likely to concede, so we are backing Crystal Palace to win.
